Tag: Health and wellbeing

Cutting Edge: Laser Epilepsy Surgery to be brought to Scotland

·        This is the first time MRI-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) will be available in Scotland 

·        The surgery is currently only available at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London or in Houston, Texas 

·        The current surgery choice in Edinburgh is open brain surgery, which is around seven hours and leaves an ear to ear scar. LITT will reduce this to two hours and is much less invasive 

·        Children and young people who will be referred for this surgery have refractory (medication resistant) epilepsy and can have up to 100 ‘drop down’ seizures a day 

·        In appropriately selected cases, LITT surgery can stop seizures entirely and cure the child’s epilepsy 

Children and young people living with severe epilepsy in Scotland will have the life-changing chance to be seizure free, thanks to the funding of a world class laser coming to Edinburgh’s new children’s hospital.  

A partnership between the Welch Trust, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and NHS Lothian is bringing MRI-guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) for Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) – the first time this laser technology will be available in Scotland.  

LITT is a new and proven, minimally invasive treatment which uses a laser to remove brain tissue that is causing seizures. Children and young people who will be referred for laser surgery are diagnosed with refractory (medication resistant) epilepsy; they may experience severe and frequent ‘drop down’ seizures, up to 100 in one day. In appropriately selected cases, laser surgery can stop seizures entirely and cure the child’s epilepsy.  

LITT surgery treatment is currently only available at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and in Houston, Texas. The laser equipment will be part of the Scottish National Paediatric Epilepsy Surgery Service, based at the RHCYP in Edinburgh, meaning children will come to the capital from all over Scotland to have the surgery. 

The current surgery choice practiced in Edinburgh is open brain surgery, which lasts around seven hours, has a longer recovery time and results in a scar across the top of the child’s head.

The LITT precision technology will reduce this surgery time to around two hours, is much less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. It is expected that up to six children a year could benefit from the laser surgery, aged from infants to adolescents, with a similar number of adults also benefitting annually. 

Following a request from the National Epilepsy Surgery Service to ECHC to support this initiative, the charity identified the Welch Trust as the ideal funder and agreed a partnership to make this project a reality. 

Victoria Welch, Trustee of the Welch Trust, said: “We are very proud to be able to gift this LITT technology to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. As a Paediatric Nurse, I understand the importance of having the best equipment in the hospital to expedite the curing of patients with complicated conditions and ultimately save lives.  

“When we were made aware of this need, we didn’t have to think too long about it. Our focus continues to be to invest in high impact programmes that save lives or significantly improve the quality of life for very sick or terminally ill children. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and expanding our support across other areas of critical care.”  

Roslyn Neely, CEO of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “With the new children’s hospital now open, we are thrilled to have partnered with the Welch Trust to bring the world-class LITT equipment to Scotland for the first time.    

“It is always very satisfying for us to be able to join with another funder who have a similar desire to support the hospital with projects that will transform children’s health. 

“Having the laser surgery available in Edinburgh gives families more choice in their place of care and means they will no longer need to endure the financial and emotional cost of national or international travel and separation at a very stressful time. It will also place Edinburgh and NHS Lothian on the map as a world-leading provider of epilepsy surgery and treatment.” 

Dr Edward Doyle, Associate Medical Director, Women and Children’s Services, NHS Lothian said: “Across NHS Lothian, we continually look at new and emerging technology and treatments to see how they could benefit our patients.

“We are delighted that through the support of both the Welch Trust and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, we will be the first in Scotland and only the second location in the whole of the UK to offer LITT surgery. 

“Severe epilepsy can be very difficult to live with and puts an enormous strain on families. Having a world-class cutting edge treatment option available here in Lothian, which is both less invasive and which reduces recovery time, will make a huge difference to lives of children and their families across Scotland.

“This treatment really does have the potential to transform lives and our teams at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People are delighted that they will soon be able to offer it as a treatment option.”

The new laser equipment is compatible with the intra-operative MRI suite at the RHCYP. It is expected to arrive in summer 2021, followed by a period of intensive training prior to the first surgery taking place. 

NSPCC launches Childhood Day

  • Latest Childline data reveals there has been a 17% rise in counselling sessions about mental or emotional health with children under 12 from Scotland over the past year
  • As lockdown eases and we look forward to a brighter summer, the NSPCC launches Childhood Day and invites people in Scotland to come together to play, raise money and help keep children safe

The NSPCC is launching its landmark Childhood Day to give young people a brighter future as it reports a rise in Childline contacts from children under 12 in Scotland about mental health issues.

During the pandemic, Childline held 243 counselling sessions with children of this age group about their mental and emotional health, compared with 207 sessions in the previous year – an increase of 17%.

Now the NSPCC is asking families and friends to celebrate childhood by organising a play event on June 11th to raise money for the charity and help keep more children safe.

Since April last year, Childline has carried out a total of 3,664 counselling sessions with children in Scotland about their mental or emotional health.

In 1,748 mental health-related counselling sessions young people mentioned anxiety or stress; in 1,006 they discussed low mood; in 569 they talked about confidence issues; and in 496 they spoke about depression.

Mental health has remained the top reason young people have got in touch with Childline, with these four issues ranking as the most commonly discussed topics. In over 200 counselling sessions, children in Scotland talked of their worries about the world, which is more than a two-fold increase from the previous year (81).

Over the past year, councillors have heard from children attempting to navigate the closure of schools, the introduction and easing of lockdowns, concerns about the virus and social isolation.

At the start of the pandemic the change in daily routines, being stuck at home and the removal of professional support from schools caused great worry and anxiety in young people, particularly those who were already coping with other issues in their lives.

The start of the year and the January lockdown presented another particularly challenging time for young people, as COVID death rates rose and schools closed down for a second time.

The charity’s Childline volunteer counsellors, as well as supporters and partners worked incredibly hard to ensure the service could stay open and young people had somewhere to turn. Analysis of Childline’s online services shows many children have taken proactive steps to support their emotional wellbeing during this time.

Now, as lockdown continues to ease, the charity is calling on people everywhere to play their part in giving children a great summer and brighter future – as it launches its landmark Childhood Day with a new film that encourages people to sign up.

Dame Esther Rantzen, founder of Childline, said: “Throughout this pandemic, children and young people have had to deal with so many difficult new challenges, many knowing that their families were struggling with health worries and financial issues, some locked down in unsafe homes, deprived of their schools which may have been their only refuge.

“Many have told Childline that they have struggled to cope and their mental health has suffered as a result.

“Childline’s counsellors have been tremendously impressed by the resilience of so many young people during the pandemic, supporting themselves and each other. Nevertheless, we are all only too aware that not only education has suffered, but so has the opportunity to play.

“My grandchildren have told me how much they have missed their friends during lockdown. Play is such an important part of childhood, building confidence and creating relationships. 

“After the year we’ve had, I am really looking forward to joining my own family on Childhood Day. I do hope as many families as possible will be able to do the same, to enjoy each other’s company and have fun and play together.

“I want to remind children everywhere that Childline is always there for them, no matter how big or small their problem, offering comfort and support which is free, confidential, on the phone or online.”  

 

NSPCC supporter Dr Ranj Singh said: “Young people have experienced so many different challenges to their mental health this year. Lots will have played less because they’ve been stuck at home, but as restrictions ease and opportunities for play increase it’s important we recognise its benefits.

“Play can help children work through difficult emotions, encounter new experiences and build resilience, confidence and self-esteem. In light of this, I’m backing the NSPCC’s Childhood Day and encouraging families up and down the country to get playing on the 11th of June.”

Earlier this year, a 10-year-old boy told Childline: “I’m feeling really sad and upset that I can’t spend time with friends and play with them because of another lockdown. I’m not returning to school for another 5 or 6 weeks and the news about the number of deaths from COVID-19 has made me more scared. I don’t feel like I can tell my mum how I feel inside as it will upset her.”

https://youtu.be/Kt9O0xe8z9A

Childhood Day

The NSPCC’s Childhood Day, which was previously piloted in specific areas and will be held on the 11th June this year, is being launched today with a refreshed look and feel and a renewed ambition to celebrate childhood by getting the UK playing after a really challenging year.

The charity has launched a new film that encourages people to play their part for children by signing up, downloading a fundraising pack and organising a play event to fundraise for the NSPCC. Whether you’re 5 or 85, the charity is encouraging everyone to get involved to play with family, friends or workmates.

Childline online

Despite the challenges of the past year, as well as seeking support from our counsellors, young people accessed Childline online resources, information and tools to support their mental health in ways and at times that were most convenient and helpful to them.

Childline saw huge increases in the number of young people using the website to access information, advice and resources. The week the March 2020 lockdown began there were over 10,000 page views of the Childline’s Calm Zone, which offers breathing exercises and activities to help let go of stress.

Two thirds of people in Scotland support car-free zones outside schools

  • New research reveals nearly two thirds (67%) of people in Scotland support car-free zones outside schools to help more families walk to school.
  • It comes ahead of Living Streets’ Walk to School Week (17-21 May) when thousands of children will take to their feet for the journey to school.

New research reveals the majority of people in Scotland are in favour of measures to make it easier for families to walk to school.

Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking carried out the research ahead of national Walk to School Week (17 – 21 May 2021).

The YouGov poll found that nearly two thirds of people in Scotland (67%) support car-free zones outside schools, with support also for safer crossings (57%), a ban on pavement parking (55%) and lower speed limits (47%).

One in four cars on Britain’s roads at peak times are on the school run, generating half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. The charity is urging families to leave the car at home for the journey to school and is urging local authorities to make it easier for families to choose cleaner, sustainable travel.

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “We’ve seen the huge improvements on offer to health and air quality when we drive less and walk more. We need to ensure families feel safe and confident to walk to school so we can keep enjoying these benefits.

“We work in over 2,000 schools across the UK and parents tell us they are put off walking because of speeding vehicles, unsafe crossings and cars parked on pavements. By making school streets car free, we remove those barriers – and our new research shows that most people back these changes.  

“We want at least one School Street – closed to traffic at drop off and pick up times – in every ward to help more families enjoy the fresh air, freedom, friendship and fun that walking to school brings.”

Thousands of children across the UK will celebrate the benefits of walking during Walk to School Week (17 – 21 May 2021).

Walk to School Week is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking as part of their National Walking Month campaign each May.

Families will be encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates.

family-resource-booklet_finalDownload

Learn about M.E./CFS in Scotland

Free training for Health Professionals

Action for M.E. is excited to announce that it has secured further funding for Learn about M.E. – the M.E./CFS Professional Development Project in Scotland.

This project funded by Scottish Government and is a partnership between Action for M.E., The M.E. Association, #MEAction Scotland, The 25% ME Group and Dr. Nina Muirhead.

Dr Muirhead, who developed a free online Continuing Professional Development (CPD) module in partnership with the CFS/M.E. Research Collaborative (CMRC,) became ill with M.E./CFS in 2016.

Anna who has lived with M.E. said: “The module is brilliant and I think it covers a lot of really important information about M.E. I think the first thing it does is it dispels the myths that are surrounding M.E. … I think what this does is it really places M.E in the scientific knowledge we have about the condition”

A podcast is available to listen to now with input from the doctor who helped to develop the training module, a GP who has used the module to treat patients and people who have lived experience of living with M.E..

We are keen to involve GPs and health professionals in Scotland to shape the development of the module and further podcasts to complement the module.

If your GP has not yet completed this training we would be keen to hear from you both to inform the development of our work on this training module. Please get in contact with Avril McLean, Project Coordinator, at avril@actionforme.org.uk or call 0117 927 9551 

This training module on M.E./CFS, based on 10 clinical cases, will improve knowledge of the illness; reduce delays to diagnosis; reduce multi unnecessary referrals and investigations and the potential for harm for people with M.E.

This module is also likely to be applicable to a subset of COVID patients who may develop post viral M.E./CFS and could be harmed by inappropriate advice to exercise.

Evaluation data from health care professionals who completed the module (November 2020 – March 2021) found that:

·         75% reported increased confidence in diagnosis of M.E./CFS

·         77% reported increased confidence in treatment & management of M.E./CFS

·         100% reported improvement in patient-centred care and patient pathways

The Scottish Government’s Neurological Framework funding is supporting the project to improve knowledge relating to diagnosis and management of M.E./CFS.

Many people with M.E. face disbelief and stigma around their illness and do not receive the appropriate care and support they need.

This project provides vital information to GPs and Health Professionals in Scotland to assist them to diagnose and manage the symptoms of M.E./CFS and Long Covid.

Lift off! Space Bra launches countdown to the Virtual MoonWalk

The MoonWalk London is going virtual this Saturday (15th May), with the theme “Out of this World”. In a space mission like no other, a special “Space Bra” has been created to mark the occasion. 

The bra has been created by Boadicea Design in collaboration with UK Space Agency, the Association for Science and Discovery Centres and signed by astronaut Tim Peake. It is based on the Sokul Suit which is worn by astronauts going up to the International Space Station.

Tim Peake said: “There may be more in common between Walk the Walk and space than you might think.

“On the International Space Station, we have been researching cancer therapies such as microencapsulation – enabling targeted delivery for effective treatment and fewer side effects.

“Walk the Walk is a fantastic charity and I’m delighted to support them in their valuable work.”

Another fascinating coincidence is that the first spacesuits were too rigid and bulky and NASA started a search to find a solution. This was found at Playtex – producers of bras and girdles – a previous sponsor of The MoonWalk!  And so Playtex seamstresses were part of the manufacture of the softer, more flexible Apollo spacesuits which followed.  

Decorated bras are the unique and fun trade-mark of MoonWalk organisers, grant making breast cancer charity Walk the Walk and have been instrumental in the charity raising over £133 million for research and vital breast cancer causes.

At The MoonWalks women and men proudly wear decorated bras as they take on their Midnight challenges. For the Virtual MoonWalk, walkers are carrying on the tradition by decorating their bras and many will be wearing them attached to their bumbags.

The bras worn at the very start of the Walk the Walk journey were auctioned and raised a lot of money. But since then Walk the Walk has been working on a collection which can be featured in exhibitions to raise even more awareness that breast cancer is not selective and can affect anybody.

Alison ‘Bod’ Stephenson at Boadicea Design said: “As a designer and maker I have produced a number of Sokul Suit ‘replica’ costumes in partnership with UK Space Agency and Association for Science and Discovery Centres.

“These were first used to promote exhibitions in science centres across the UK when astronaut Tim Peake travelled to the International Space Station in December 2015. Taking colours and details from the Sokul Suit design, I have created the Space Bra Outfit, which has been a fun project with a serious message. I’m delighted to support Walk the Walk and help raise awareness of breast cancer.” 

Dr Alice Bunn, International Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “Collaboration is the cornerstone of space exploration and it is only by working together that we will be able to beat breast cancer.

“We’re delighted with the outfit inspired by Tim Peake’s spacesuit. Having completed The MoonWalk before, I know what an inspirational event it is and I hope as many people as possible will take part, raising vital funds and enjoying a wonderful experience.”

Shaaron Leverment, CEO (Acting) of the ASDC said: “At the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres we have a vision to support people of all ages, genders, background and experiences to be involved in the sciences.

“This one-of-a-kind Space bra is truly ‘Out of this World’ and does just that! An eye-catching design that will no doubt capture the attention and imagination of all who see it, raising awareness that breast cancer affects everybody and inspiring more people to get involved in Walk the Walk.

“We are very proud to be part of this wonderful, creative collaboration and the important message behind it.”​​​​​​​

Edinburgh Leisure: Back Exercising Together

Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive June Peebles has welcomed the First Minister’s latest announcement, which means the Edinburgh-based leisure operator can finally welcome customers again for indoor fitness classes, gym classes, adult coaching and adult outdoor contact sports from 17 May.

June Peebles said: “It’s been a long time coming but it’s another much welcomed step towards normality. I am so excited that we can finally restart our indoor fitness classes, gym classes, adult coaching and adult outdoor contact sports.

“It also means our dedicated fitness instructors can, at last, get back to doing what they love; helping people to move and have fun in a group setting.

“While we were permitted to reopen our pools and gyms for individual exercise on 26 April 2021, indoor group fitness classes were still not allowed. For customers who prefer the variety and sociability of a group fitness class, this enforced lock-down has been tough. 

“Like many businesses we have had to move with the times and adapted by offering online streamed classes and some outdoor classes at Drumbrae and Portobello, but it’s not quite the same.  Also, Scotland’s weather isn’t always the most conducive for outdoor classes.”

As in September 2020 when Edinburgh Leisure reopened their venues after the first lockdown, the Edinburgh Leisure experience is different from before, but customers will still receive the warm, Edinburgh Leisure welcome.

The main changes that customers will notice are:

  • All activities must be booked via the Edinburgh Leisure app or website.
    • Members can book classes three days in advance, while for non-members, it is two days.
  • Edinburgh Leisure continues to operate in a cashless environment, accepting contactless payments.
  • Safety guidance will be on display throughout the venues.
  • Enhanced cleaning will take place and there are additional sanitisation stations are available in the venues for use before and after each visit.
  • All activities are timetabled with staggered session start times to reduce congestion.
  • Customers must wear face coverings in communal areas, but not for their activities.
  • Class sizes are reduced.

Gyms and leisure centres were among the businesses to close their doors in a bid to control the coronavirus pandemic. After the initial lockdown in March 2020, Edinburgh Leisure started to reopen their venues on 14 September and could offer group indoor fitness and gym classes, gym and swim sessions. 

However, the group classes were forced to close again after only three weeks and five days on Friday, 9October, due to a spike in Covid-19 cases across Scotland. And when Edinburgh Leisure’s venues reopened again after almost a four months’ closure on 26 April 2021, only individual activities such as swim and gym sessions were permitted.

Nonetheless, since November 2020 and during the closure, Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme has continued to work with around 450 customers per week through a blend of online classes and one to one session and ‘wellbeing’ phone calls to keep more ‘vulnerable’ customers active and well at home, safely.

June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure concluded: “Edinburgh Leisure is committed to ‘building back better’ to a sustainable Edinburgh Leisure and to continue making a positive impact to the citizens of Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing – as we have done for the last 23 years.

“Now that the roll-out of the vaccine programme is well underway and with the enhanced safety and cleansing measures we have in place, I hope that our customers will feel confident to return if they haven’t already done so.

“Never before has health and wellbeing been so important. And Edinburgh Leisure remains committed to supporting the people of Edinburgh to be active and enjoy good health.”

Scottish Covid-19 study launched

A study into the long term effects of COVID-19 on the people of Scotland

A major study into the effects of Covid on the health of Scotland’s population has been launched.

The Covid in Scotland Study aims to identify the effects of Covid-19 on the health of people in Scotland. We want to find out how many people continue to be unwell after having Covid-19, what their symptoms are, and how it affects their lives.

Why is the study being done?

Most people with Covid-19 recover within three weeks. Some people don’t because they get ‘long Covid.’ We need to understand the long-term effects of Covid-19, the number of people who have long-term problems and the nature and impact of these.

Hasn’t this already been done?

There have been some other studies looking at long Covid but they have been done on particular groups, such as people who were admitted to hospital. In the Covid in Scotland Study, we are contacting everyone in Scotland who had a positive Covid-19 test as well as a comparison group of people who tested negative.

How will this study help people with long Covid?

Our study aims to help health and social care services make informed decisions about treating and supporting people with long Covid.

How can people take part

We are sending invitations via SMS to all adults in Scotland who have had a positive Covid-19 test and a sample of people who have only had a negative test(s). These messages are automated. We don’t have names, phone numbers or other identifiable information.

Are people who have had Covid-19 involved in designing and running the study?

Yes. People who have had Covid-19 symptoms are on the study steering group. They are providing advice throughout the study, helping to develop the information material and will help to share the findings.

Who is funding the study?

The study is funded by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientist Office.

Where will the study be published?

Our results will be shared with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and patient groups. The results will be published in a medical journal and shared through social media and a press release.

It’s Veggie week at Murrayfield Nursery

EDINBURGH NURSERY GOES VEGGIE FOR NATIONAL VEGETARIAN WEEK

The Murrayfield Nursery in Edinburgh is serving up an entirely vegetarian menu to children this week, as part of National Vegetarian Week celebrations.

The Nursery has incorporated a range of enticing vegetarian meals in place of its usual rolling spring/summer menu for children to experience and enjoy each day.

Alongside the change in menu, children will also explore a variety of vegetables as part of their opportunities to learn through play at the Nursery.

Nursery Manager Rhonda Houston said: “We’re pleased to be offering a healthy, nutritious meat-free menu to all of our children this week as part of National Vegetarian Week.

“We’re always promoting the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet, and sharing information about where our food comes from – and this was another fun opportunity in which to do so.

“We already offer a vegetarian/vegan option as part of our seasonal menus at The Murrayfield, but it will be nice to introduce all of our children to new tastes, textures and flavours, which we can all share in together.”

The Murrayfield Nursery provides inspiring environments to children aged 12 weeks to five years and is part of the independent CC Nurseries group, which already provides inspirational Early Childhood Learning and Care for over 600 families in settings across England and Scotland.

More information about the Nursery can be found at www.themurrayfieldnursery.co.uk 

or via Facebook at fb.com/murrayfieldnursery

Green Shoots: Demand for CBD soars during lockdown

Association for the Cannabinoid Industry (ACI) and Centre for Medicinal Cannabis (CMC) have launched their report Green Shoots – Sowing The Seeds Of The New UK Cannabis Industry with a new assessment of the size of the UK consumer cannabidiol (CBD) market.

The sector is now estimated to generate £690 million in annual sales for 2021. This figure surpasses predictions made in the seminal market sizing study undertaken by the CMC in 2019 which estimated the market would be worth £526 million in 2021.

The report concludes that the UK now has the most evolved regulatory framework in the world for CBD, and other consumer cannabis extracts, citing recent interventions by the Foods Standards Agency – to regulate products as dietary supplements, and by the Home Office – to consider what are safe and tolerable levels of THC contained in products.

However, the report calls for more government intervention and investment to ensure that the UK optimises what it describes as ‘Britain’s quiet cannabis revolution’.

The report claims that, due to domestic restrictions on hemp cultivation and processing in the UK, the bulk of the profits for this industry are going overseas. This is because UK farmers must destroy the parts of the hemp crop which lucrative CBD is extracted from.

The report argues that the market represents a key growth sector for the UK and it is time for the government to adopt a proactive strategy to seize opportunities in the cannabinoids sector.

The report makes 20 recommendations drawing on a submission recently made to a new governmental Taskforce on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform, established by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in February, to stimulate post-COVID economic growth.

The report authors call for:

  • A dedicated agency to licence and oversee the industry
  • A new centre of excellence to fund, synthesise and promulgate the best new clinical evidence to boost the UK’s nascent medicinal cannabis market
  • Urgent reform of licensing policy to steer and harness the emerging scientific evidence across the whole spectrum: from agri-science and plant genetics, to novel synthetics, new therapies and clinical trials.

Steve Moore – Co-Founder and Strategic Counsel to the CMC and ACI, said: “With new government support the accidental consumer cannabis revolution that has allowed CBD to become available on every high street in the UK could become permanent, nurturing hundreds of new businesses, thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in exports.

“It’s hard to imagine there many more industries that could benefit almost immediately from the proposals set out in our report.”

Paul Birch, Co-Founder of the CMC and ACI, added: “The size of this cannabinoid sector is now impossible to ignore. Today’s report reveals that sales of CBD products up to the year end of April 2021 are valued at £690m, almost a third higher than our last projection in 2019.

“Almost without notice and certainly by accident rather than design, the UK has improbably become the world’s second largest consumer cannabinoids market.”

It’s Ok to Ask: encouraging patients to ask about their treatment

People across Scotland are being encouraged to ask questions about their care and treatment so they can understand what is being recommended for them.

The campaign, ‘It’s OK to Ask’ is designed to  support patients and healthcare professionals in creating positive conversations about care and treatment.

NHS 24’s Head of Pharmacy, Dr John McAnaw says: “It’s happened to us all – you come out of a healthcare appointment realising the questions you forgot to ask, or worrying over the questions you wanted to ask but didn’t.

“This  new campaign encourages a little bit of forward planning around what you’d like to know about your care from your healthcare professional.

“Before an appointment or discussion, take some time to think about what you’d like to know about your treatment. Some handy questions are:

  • What are the benefits of my treatment?
  • What are the risks of my treatment? Are there other treatments I can try?
  • What if I do nothing?

“These kind of questions can help you feel more involved in decisions about your care, and give you confidence in following your healthcare plan.

“Your healthcare professional is happy to answer any questions you might have, as they know it’s better to have patients who are content and informed about their next steps, and simply by being more involved, you’ll be able to make better decisions for you about your own care.”

The campaign is supported by NHS Scotland and is supported by a radio and digital campaign.

Learn more at https://www.nhsinform.scot/oktoask.